What is the best way to remove your cam gears when you can not find the specialty tool that is needed to perform the job correctly?

Wedge a screw driver in between the spokes so it doesn't move and wrench them off. Worked like a charm for me.

yep, like he said, that's the easiest way, and do it the same way to put them on, and make sure you put them on w/ the 2.0L marks facing out, not the 2.4L. Make sure your timing belt is off first though of course.

I just used my high-torque impact. They came off in two seconds with out turning the cams. Very easy if you have access to air tools.

some 1/4" extentions fit in the hole in the cams, if that helps any...

Originally posted by CarbonFiberRST
some 1/4" extentions fit in the hole in the cams, if that helps any...

This is how I do it. a 1/4" drive extension fits in the cam locating hole. I would never wedge anything into the gear, they're cast and brittle. if the gear fractures it can come apart, and if it comes apart, well.. you're fucked.

I tie the gears together with a plastic-coated metal coat hanger as tight as possible if I only have hand tools.

Impact wrench with the pistons set 90* btdc works best though.

Yeah I've tied them together also, and that worked, I didnt use a hanger though, just a small piece of rope, the gears turned a little bit until they became tight, then it the bolts popped off. Why are you trying to take them off? if you are going w/ adj cam gears, while they are off, depending on how old the engine is and all, you could always replace your cam seals while you are at them.